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Local Workforce Investment Area #20 Local Plan 2/14/2020
LAND OF LINCOLN WORKFORCE ALLIANCE LOCAL PLAN (LWIA #20)
Supportive Services may be provided to adults and dislocated workers who are registered and participating in WIOA Training Services and to youth registered and participating in training and youth programs. These Supportive Services will only be provided when they are necessary to enable individuals to participate in activities. Workforce staff, along with the individuals in need of supportive services, must determine the availability of such services through other programs and attempt to secure funding from those sources before authorizing expenditure of WIOA funds. When other sources of funding are identified, workforce staff will refer the individual to the source of that funding to obtain the needed services. Documentation of the referral will be kept in the individual's file. When a needed service is not available or the individual does not meet the eligibility for that service, LLWA will provide funding in accordance with the following guidelines. All support services must document that no other sources are available for the support and activities must be recorded on the Illinois Workforce Development System
{IWDS).
Support Services not identified below will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be reviewed by the LLWA Enrollment Review Committee based on funding availability and individual need.
Any support service changes will be defined by the grant and availability of funding at the direction of the Executive Director.
YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS
Transportation
Year Round Out-of-School Youth, Adults and Dislocated Workers: Transportation assistance may be available for customers attending classroom training or work experience related to a student's training program and for which they are receiving college credit or a credential. Exceptions must be approved by the Enrollment Review Committee. The amount of assistance is based on the round trip mileage between the student's home and the classroom training site and/or internship site (including the distance of the child care provider when appropriate) for day in attendance only. If student must drive multiple times to the training site in one day, total daily mileage will be calculated to determine rate of reimbursement. Customers who reside outside of the LLWA five county area while in training will need Review Committee approval for mileage support.
The mileage allowance is determined as follows (based on Google map documentation):
Round Trip Miles | Rate Per Day |
0-30.............. | $0 |
31-50............. | $12.00 |
51 and up . . . . . . . . . . . | $15.00 |
Bus tokens are available for those individuals who are able to utilize public transportation. When bus tokens are issued, a log must be maintained that includes the customer's name, date of distribution, number of tokens issued, and purpose of distribution. If TAA funds are exhausted, LLWA will utilize lD funds using current TAA Transportation policy.
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CHILD CARE
Out-of-School Youth, Adults and Dislocated Workers: Individuals enrolled in classroom training or work experience, and who are in need of care for their children while participating in training and who do not have a family member (Parent, Step Parent or Legal Guardian) in their home who is capable of providing child care, are eligible for support. An effort must be made to obtain other sources of child care assistance prior to approval of any WIOA support. Any customer eligible for assistance shall be offered such assistance unless funds have been exhausted.
Priorities for Child Care Assistance
LLWA 20 will not pay for child care assistance to a Parent, Step Parent or Legal Guardian.
TANF - If eligible -through Community Connection Point.
DCFS subsidy - through Community Connection Point.
Assistance from ORS with special needs children.
Child Care Provider with sliding fee scale.
Provider who will accept LLWA fee limits.
Customer pays difference between provider's charges and LLWA's limits.
A written policy from day care providers must be submitted before payment can be made. Each provider must submit a W-9 prior to payment. LLWA will pay child care at the regular authorized rate for holidays and breaks no more than 20 days in length in order to hold the child's slot with the provider according to day care provider policy.
Child care allowances are available to full-time students.* All WIOA applicants must apply for child care assistance through the OHS/Community Connection Point (CCP) and submit results to their Career Planner. CCP denials for reasons other than (ineligible) will need immediate customer follow-up within a reasonable period of time.
Day Care for Full Time Training Customers
Child age 0- up to 2................................
Child age 2+..............................................
School Aged Child ...................................
Not to exceed $150 per week Not to exceed $100 per week
Not to exceed $13 per day per child
* These rates are for full-time attendance in training. For purposes of this policy, full time attendance is defined as a minimum of 12 hours of weekly class contact time during Fall and Spring semesters and a minimum of 6 hours of weekly class contact time during Summer semester. Contact hours are hours spent in class/clinical setting not credit hours. Customers may need verification of online classroom contact hours.
Day Care for Part Time Training Customers
Not to exceed $65 per child per week or $13 per day for school aged children.
For purposes of this policy, part time attendance is defined as less than 12 hours of weekly class contact time during Fall and Spring semesters and less than 6 hours of weekly class contact time during Summer semester.
The LLWA will establish priority of services based on guidelines listed below. Due to the implementation of WIOA and final guidance pending on many of these items, priority policy will be expanded to incorporate information as it is received. Priority of Service Items include: 1) Veterans; 2) Low Income 3) Basic Skills deficient 4) Residency
Veterans
Defined under Veterans Priority of Service Policy.
Low Income
Defined under ITA Policy. Pages 1 and 2.
Basic Skills Deficient
Defined under ITA Policy. Pages 1 and 2.
Residency
Customers residing within the LLWA area or dislocated workers who have been laid off from facilities located within the local workforce area, will be given Residency Priority of Service. Customers who reside in the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Menard and Sangamon or have been laid off from facilities located in the local workforce area may receive a priority of service. This priority is imposed for the funding of training programs. Career services are universally available to all customers and residency is not used for priority of services regarding core services. LLWA will be authorized to adjust the Residency Priority for special grants or projects.
For residency not to be considered a factor for a customer's enrollment in training, the LLWA will review the availability of other workforce investment funding, including National Emergency Grants and other public or private sources that are available to fund employment and training activities in the local area. The Enrollment Committee will review information and make a recommendation for approval by the Executive Director.
Priority of service policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
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Background Information from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Federal Rules
The Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance (LLWA) Training Policy offers training opportunities that
will expand training choices for customers and better link workforce and economic development.
Training services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act may be provided through contracts for service or Individual Training Accounts (ITA).
An Individual Training Account (ITA) is an account established for the benefit of an eligible customer: an adult (1A), dislocated worker (1D) or out of school youth (lY).
Contract for Service options available to assist eligible customers are:
On-the-job training
Customized training
Incumbent Worker Training
Occupational Bridge Program
Non-lTA Occupational Classroom Training
Class Size Training
The LLWA will comply with the statutory requirement to utilize ITAs to the extent practicable and comply with State policies as directed by Policy Letter 04-02 by:
Expending the majority (i.e., 51 percent) of combined costs incurred through ITAs and training contracts under the adult and dislocated worker programs; or
Serving the majority (i.e., 51 percent) of adult and dislocated worker registrants receiving training services through ITAs.
Priority for training services will be given to 1A/1Y eligible persons receiving public assistance, low income customers, basic skills deficient, and eligible veterans. Priority for training services will be given to 1D eligible person(s) who meet the definition of veteran. Veterans who meet the definition outlined in the LLWA Veterans Priority Policy will receive a priority of service over non-veterans if they meet program eligibility requirements. Priority means that veterans and eligible spouses will be given first opportunities for receipt of funding and services. Low income individual means an individual who:
Personally receives or received in the past six (6) months or is a member of a family that receives or received in the past six (6) months assistance through the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, the program of block grants to states for temporary assistance for needy families program under part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act or the supplemental security income program established under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, or State or local income-based public assistance; or
Is in a family with total family income that does not exceed the higher of:
The poverty line; or
Seventy percent (70%) of the lower living standard income level; or
Is a homeless individual (as defined in section 41403(6)) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 USC. 14043e-2(6)), or a homeless child or youth (as defined under Section 725 (2)) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC. 11434a(2)) ; or
Receives or is eligible to receive a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 USC 1751et seq.); or
Is a foster child on behalf of whom state or local government payments are made; or
Is an individual with a disability whose own income does not exceed the higher of:
The poverty line; or
Seventy percent (70%) of the lower living standard income level, but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet this requirement; or
A youth customer living in a high-poverty area.
An individual is "basic skills deficient" (20 CFR 681.290) if he or she:
Have English reading, writing, or computing skills at or below the 8th grade level on a generally accepted standardized test; or
Are unable to compute or solve problems, or read, write, or speak English at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual's family, or in society.
ITA Occupational Classroom Training General Requirements
Certified training programs will lead to placement in occupations identified as being in demand as defined in the DCEO Demand Occupation Training List (Region 1).
The LLWA may request additional occupations be added to their Regional Demand Occupation List under such conditions as a new plant opening, facility expansion, addition to the State's or Federal's key section initiatives or other reasons that might indicate multiple job openings will be available. Requests must be made to and approved by DCEO.
LWIB's reserve the right to impose criteria that is unique to conditions within a particular LLWA so long as they meet, at a minimum, federal and state requirements. Immediate action may be taken to limit enrollment into a previously approved program based on information gathered from current unemployment insurance filings or sudden changes in local economic conditions which could possibly affect employment in the specific occupation for which training would have led.
LLWA has targeted the healthcare industry and focused efforts on occupational areas determined to be most in demand and for which a shortage is imminent.
The training course or program must be likely to result in employment leading to a self sufficient wage for low-income customers. For dislocated customers, the program must lead to employment resulting in a wage which calculates to 80% of the dislocation wage.
The ITA amount will be restricted to payments not to exceed $8,000.00 (tuition published to the general public) for the first anniversary year (12 months from the beginning of training) and
$8,000.00 for the second anniversary year. It does, however, exclude required books, fees and training items, other mandatory course fees, and supportive services. If a training program surpasses two years, the LWIA Enrollment Review Committee will evaluate reasons for the extension and will have the authority to approve program continuance with a limit of $4,000.00 excluding items listed above. Additional amounts beyond the limit will be approved by the Enrollment Review Committee and Executive Director. Customers will be encouraged to rent books if/when available.
Training fees and other mandatory supplies and books may be approved for payment by the career planner. The LLWA is a tax exempt organization and is unable to reimburse for any state or local taxes.
LLWA will be authorized to adjust the ITA amount if fund availability decreases or increases and for special grant funds or other State or Federal initiatives including the Trade Act.
When training funds have been exhausted for TAA eligible dislocated workers, the LLWA may utilize Formula funds to continue those individuals in training utilizing the current TAA training funding policy.
ITA Implementation
In order to be referred for training services through an individual training account, the customer must first receive career services (WIOA Title 18) from the one-stop operator designated by the LWIB to provide these services. Career services are defined in the final rules and part of the MOU with One-Stop Partners.
Customers must select a program of training that is directly linked to the employment opportunities in the local area or in the area in which the customer is willing to relocate. The training must be in an occupation that has been determined to be in a sector of the economy that has a high potential for sustained demand or growth in the area and leads to a self sufficient wage.
The customer who seeks training services and who is eligible may, in consultation with the designated career planner select a program and training provider from the WIOA certified state approved list. Eligible training providers are those entities determined eligible through procedures described by WIOA and established by the Governor and the LWIB. This list and guidance will be provided in a manner that maximizes customer choice in the selection of the training provider and program.
The customer must have the skills and qualifications to succeed in the training programs based on an in-depth assessment by the career planner. The customer and career planner will jointly develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP/ISS).
Customers should generally attend "full-time" (as defined by the training provider) and programs should not exceed two years. Exceptions to extend beyond two years may be approved by the LLWA enrollment review committee.
Customers seeking an ITA must have a specific occupational goal. The course of study must be occupation-specific and result in the attainment of a credential or an industry recognized credential.
ITAs will be awarded per semester, quarter, or for uninterrupted training coursework. Subsequent to the issuance of the first ITA, additional ITAs (if needed) will be awarded only for
continuing in the approved program at the educational or training institution identified in the customer's IEP. Modifications to a customer's IEP must be approved by the career planner.
Customers may be required to apply for other forms of financial aid. ITA funds will not be withheld while the customer is awaiting determination of other financial aid eligibility. LLWA staff may use the training provider's "cost of attendance" to identify the total resources needed. The total funds from financial aid will not exceed this cost of attendance. The trainee may be allowed to use other financial aid resources such as Pell grants to assist with living expenses while using the ITA for tuition, fees and required training items. LLWA staff will be authorized to change this policy in the event of ITA fund shortages.
Customers who are delinquent in repaying a student loan will not be automatically disqualified from being considered for an ITA but must develop and implement an approved repayment plan with the institution and submit plans to the career planner prior to ITA approval.
LLWA will pay "in-district" tuition rates at community colleges. Customers wishing to attend a community college outside of their district will be responsible for applying to the community college district of their residence for a charge-back for payment of the "out-of-district" portion of the tuition and fees. Exceptions to this policy may be approved on a case-by-case basis by career planner.
An ITA or any subsequent ITA or voucher may be denied if any of the above requirements are not met. Additional reasons for denial are as follows:
Training funds are limited or exhausted.
The customer's ITA funding limit has been reached and exceptions are not approved.
The training provider does not accept or retain the customer.
The customer attempts to make changes to the voucher without the signature of the career planner.
The training provider and/or the customer refuses to comply with reasonable requirements or conditions made by LLWA staff and/or LWIB.
The customer is participating in an activity deemed to be fraudulent or the customer has falsified documents resulting in payment or reimbursement for WIOA funded activities.
The customer fails to remain in good academic standing as defined by the training provider.
Support services may be provided during the period of an ITA per Customer Support Policy. Resources other than WIOA, such as funds available through the Illinois Department of Human Services, will be accessed for these support services as appropriate.
Any previously exited customer requesting to receive an ITA or other training funds must be reviewed and approved by the Enrollment Review Committee prior to commitment of new funding. Past participation and performance will be taken into consideration.
Changes and Exceptions to these Policies
This policy will remain in effect until it is revised or terminated. A review of the ITA policy will be done, at a minimum, on an annual basis.
The Enrollment Review Committee and/or the LWIB will be authorized to revise this policy or implement additional policies necessary for the timely and effective management of ITAs.
Exceptions to this policy may be made on a case-by-case basis with the LLWA Enrollment Review Committee and the approval of the Executive Director. The Enrollment Review Committee shall
be made up of: Program Compliance Specialist, Fiscal Services Director, and Assistant Director. An alternate staff member may substitute for a Review Committee member in his/her absence. A copy of the (extension/exception) approval/disapproval review form will be placed in the customer's file.
ENROLLMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
Extension / Exception / Miscellaneous Requests
Customer Name: Title(s): _ Type of Request (Check all that apply}:
Extension of training dates beyond ITA policy:
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Original Planned End Date: New Planned End Date: _
Exception to increase training/support funding beyond ITA policy
Amount to exceed ITA policy: $ _
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o Other: List:, _ Customer Information and Reason for Exception Request (Career Planner)
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Career Planner's Recommendation: o Approve o Not Approve
Career Planner Signature: _ Date: _
Reasons for Approval/Denial (Committee Members)
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Signature Date
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Signature Date
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Signature Date
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Executive Director Signature Date
D Approved D Not Approved D Approved D Not Approved D Approved D Not Approved D Approved D Not Approved
Contract for Service Policy
On the Job Training (OJT) (See OJT Policy)
Customized Training
Background: Customized training is designed to meet the special requirements of an employer or a group of employers. The employer(s) must pay not less than 50% of the cost of training (unless otherwise waived by the State). Employer costs may be in cash or in-kind, must be documented and are subject to audit. Customized training may be provided to eligible unemployed persons and, in some cases, to eligible employed workers.
Commitment to Hire: The employer(s) will commit to hire WIOA registrants who successfully complete the customized training program.
Customized Training for Employed Workers: A customized training contract may be written to train a WIOA customer who is already working for the employer (or group of employers) for which the customized training is being provided when the employee is not earning a self sufficient wage. The employer (or group of employers) must commit to continue to employ such trainees who successfully complete the training.
Reimbursement: Employers will be reimbursed for customized training costs based on the cost for instruction and the length of training required. A negotiation process will take place between the Employer and WIOA to develop a training outline and reimbursement schedule.
The reimbursement amount cannot exceed 50% of the cost of customized training.
Duration: In determining the length of the contract, consideration will be given to the skill requirements of the occupation, the academic and occupational skill level of the customer and prior work experience level of the customer. The length of the customized training agreement and amount of the reimbursement is dependent upon the complexity of the training, the skills of the trainees and the availability of funds.
Special Contracting Requirements
The customized training contract will be developed after the employer has conducted interviews and selected appropriate customers/trainees.
A customized training contract may be used to train an eligible WIOA customer who, prior to the start of the training, is already working for the employer. In order to be enrolled in the customized training activity, the employed WIOA customer must meet eligibility standards by not meeting the self-sufficient wage standard. Customized training may be provided to a worker employed by another (non-training) firm if the worker is earning less than a self-sufficient wage. It is expected that, if the worker successfully completes the training, he/she will choose to leave his/her current employment to accept a job with the customized training employer. Customized training provided to a previously employed worker must relate to either:
The introduction by the employer of new technologies;
The introduction to new production or service procedures;
Upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills/workplace literacy;
Filling a critical skills shortage occupation identified by the LWIB.
Limited Training Service Providers Background and Policy
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides that contracts for training may be used when there are an insufficient number of eligible providers in a local area. This exception applies to the rural areas of LLWA.
When the LWIB determines that there is need for a training service and an insufficient number of eligible providers in a local area are available to accomplish the purpose, the One Stop Partner Committee/One-Stop Partners will identify the appropriate provider of service. A legal notice in the local area will provide public comment for interested providers for 30 days.
The LWIB will apply this provision on an exception basis rather than as a blanket waiver. This exception will be applied on a program-by-program basis as is more consistent with the direction provided by the federal rule.
Members of the One Stop Partner Committee will document the formal action determining that there are an insufficient number of eligible providers and make appropriate modification to the Local Plan to support the exceptions.
The LWIB will continue to make efforts to maximize customer choices of training options under the contract for services procurement approach.
The One Stop Partner Committee will recommend Limited Training Service providers to the LWIB for approval after evaluation. Contracts for training entered into under this exception may only be to eligible training providers as determined under WIOA.
Programs of Demonstrated Effectiveness Background and Policy
Contracts for training are also authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act/WIOA for special populations that face multiple barriers to employment and that there is a training services program of demonstrated effectiveness offered by an eligible provider. The federal rule explains that the provider in this case is a community-based organization (CBO) or other private organization.
When considering a Program of Demonstrated Effectiveness, the One Stop Partner Committee will develop criteria that includes:
The financial stability of the organization;
Demonstrated performance in the delivery of services to hard-to-serve customer populations through such means as program completion rates, attainment of skills, certificates or degrees the program is designed to provide; placement after training in unsubsidized employment and retention in employment; and
How the specific program relates to the workforce investment needs identified in the local plan.
A provider's program of "demonstrated effectiveness" is in addition to meeting the requirements for qualifying as an eligible training provider.
Special customer populations that face multiple barriers to employment are populations of low income individuals that are included in one or more of the following categories:
Individuals with substantial language or cultural barriers;
Offenders;
Homeless individuals;
And other hard-to-serve populations as defined by the Governor.
Low income individual means an individual who:
receives, or is a member of a family that receives, cash payment under a Federal, State or local income-based public assistance program;
received an income, or is a member of a family that received a total family income, for the 6 month period prior to application, exclusive of unemployment compensation, child support payments, and old-age and survivors insurance benefits received under section 202 of the Social Security Act that, in relation to family size, does not exceed 70% of the lower living standard income level, for an equivalent period;
is a member of a household that receives {or has been determined within the 6 month period prior to application for the program involved to be eligible to receive) food stamps pursuant to the Food Stamp Act;
qualifies as a homeless individual as defined in subsection {a) and {c) of section 103 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act;
is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made;
is an individual with a disability whose own income meets the requirements of program income eligibility but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet such requirements.
The One Stop Partner Committee of the Land of Lincoln Workforce Board will review Programs of Demonstrated Effectiveness and make recommendations for contracts for services for approval by the LWIB.
Incumbent Worker Training (see Incumbent Worker Policy) Occupational Bridge Programs
Occupational Bridge Programs are training programs that blend workplace competencies, career
exploration and basic literacy and math skills in an occupational context. It provides accelerated advancement through short, intensive classroom components, and offers academic and personal support services to help balance work, family and school responsibilities. A bridge program must target one or more of the following for consideration as an allowable training expenditure:
Low-skilled, low-income adults or dislocated workers unprepared to enter postsecondary occupational programs in high growth fields;
Adult education students who still do not score high enough to enter postsecondary occupational programs; or
Employability and career development content, if the major focus of the program is on academic remediation and occupational skills preparation.
The LLWA will review and approve Occupational Bridge Program contracts and/or include on the Eligible Training Provider list.
Academic Remediation/Prevocational Programs
Training institutions or training providers that provide classroom instruction in academk remediation or short-term pre-vocational services may be considered an allowable training expenditure when:
Services will be limited to no more than six months in duration, unless provided in conjunction with occupational training services.
Services are associated with basic literacy training, including but not limited to, adult basic education, GED, and English as a second language.
The LLWA will review and approve Academic Remediation/ Prevocational Training contracts.
Classroom Size Training Contracts
Contracts with institutions of higher education and other training providers will allow LLWA to work directly with institutions of higher education, such as community colleges, and other training providers to quickly design education and training to fit the needs of the job seekers and employers that they are serving. These contracts are intended to provide a means of quickly ramping up much needed training capacity. Classroom Size Training contracts and policies will adhere to DCEO guidelines.
Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Registered apprenticeships will combine education and work experience resulting in a nationally recognized portable credential and offers adults and dislocated workers a career pathway into specific fields. An ITA may support the classroom portions of the apprenticeship program. Educational tuition/fee payments will follow the same payments and restrictions as outlined on page 4 I. (F) Individual Training Accounts. Under WIOA, registered apprenticeships may be included on the Eligible Training Provider List. Registered apprenticeship programs that want to be included on the Training Provider List will be referred to DCEO for inclusion on the state-wide list.
Contract for Service - Special Considerations
Training sites for the Contract for Service Programs are to be developed with public, private non profit, or private sector businesses.
Eligible WIOA customers are pre-screened, assessed, and tested by LLWA staff and the customer's Individual Employment Plan (IEP) plan must reflect that Contract for Service training is an appropriate activity for them. A contract must be signed by an official authorized to bind the company. A signed contract must be in place prior to the employee starting the training.
These training programs are intended for occupations that are permanent full-time positions that have the potential to meet the local WIOA office Performance Standards.
The contracting employer shall provide the training described in the plan and necessary tools, supplies etc., normally supplied to employees in the performance of the same or similar job in which the trainee is employed.
The Contract for Service Training contract (OJT, Customized, etc.) will be developed after the employer has conducted interviews and selected an appropriate customer/trainee. These contracts will be unique to each customer based on their IEP.
The employer must not reduce the workforce with the intention of filling the position with the individual receiving training from the contract or displace a currently employed worker as a result of the training contract.
The trainee has not been laid off from the same position and employer for which he/she will receive training.
If there is a collective bargaining agreement, the training provided under the training contract must not violate the terms of this agreement. If the training being provided is
inconsistent with the terms for a collective bargaining agreement, a written agreement must be obtained from the representing labor organization.
No WIOA funds can be provided to employers for training which would, directly indirectly, assist, promote or deter union organizing.
WIOA funds cannot be used (or proposed to be used) for the encouragement or inducement of a business, or part of a business, to relocate from any location in the United
States, if the relocation will result in any employee losing his or her job at the original location.
LLWA will not contract with an employer who has previously exhibited a pattern of failing to provide customers with long-term employment with wages, benefits, and working conditions that are equal to those provided to regular employees who have worked a similar length of time and are doing the same work.
Contract for Service training positions will be funded with companies that have been operational for a period of at least one year and have stable employment and/or revenues.
Contract for Service training customers may not work for a company where the customer is related to an immediate family member who is an owner of or is in a supervisory or administrative position with the same company at the facility where training is to take place. Immediate family is defined as: wife, husband, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepparent or stepchild.
Contract for Service Employers agree to abide by Contract Assurances and Federal and State guidelines including, but not limited to, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Jobs for Veterans Act, Davis-Bacon Act, Immigration Reform Act of 1986, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and policies of debarment and suspension regulations as established. A complete list is contained in the boilerplate of the contract.
WIOA customers in contractual training or individuals employed in programs and activities under
Title I of WIOA must be provided benefits and working conditions at the same level and to the same extent as other trainees or employees working a similar length of time and doing the same type of work. Additionally, WIOA customers shall be provided all benefits, rate of pay, hours of work, promotional opportunities, and overtime opportunities the same or similarly to classified employees.
The employer will have the necessary facility, equipment, and personnel to provide the "Contract for Service" training as described in the contract.
Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance
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Background Information - Program and Provider Certification
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) established a "customer choice" approach to services through a system of Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) while assuring program quality through a provider certification system. All programs for which an ITA are issued must meet the requirements of initial eligibility as well as a condition of recertifica tion as outlined in the State of Illinois' WIOA Policy 15-WIOA-5.3 and the accompanying WIOA Training Provider Certification Policy Guide. In addition to these minimum requirements, The Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance (LLWA) may develop initial and subsequent eligibility beyond the standards established by the State policy. No ITA will be issued for enrollment into a particular program until the program has official approval or renewal through this process.
The provider certification process will be administered locally by the Assistant Director and/or the Executive Director. A Provider Review Committee will be made up of not less than two LLWA staff as well as the Assistant Director and/or the Executive Director. The Provider Review Committee will be responsible for making recommendations to the Local Workforce Board (LWIB), including but not limited to initial certifications, annual re-certifications and conditional restrictions. All actions related to provider/program certifications must be approved by the LWIB and certified by the LWIB Chair. Records of such action will be maintained by the LLWA Office and will be recorded in the Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS).
Provider Review Committee
All action relating to program and provider approval recommendation will be the responsibility of the Provider Review Committee. This committee will be made up of not less than 2 LLWA staff as well as the Assistant Director and/or the Executive Director. Participation will be voluntary with no limits on the duration of service.
The Provider Review Committee will meet annually to review all programs and to prepare recommendations for the LWIB for recertification. New applications will be reviewed throughout the year by the Provider Review Committee.
Timelines
LLWA and LWIB will follow all certification/recertification/revocation timelines as directed by DCEO WIOA Policy 15-WIOA-5.3.
Initial Training Provider Certification
All new applications for certification will be reviewed by the Provider Review Committee utilizing the guidelines for initial certification as outlined in WIOA Policy 15-WIOA-5. Details of the initial certification procedure are set forth in the WIOA Title I Training Provider Certification Policy Guide written and maintained by DCEO's Office of Employment and Training. LLWA will adhere to the standards set forth in these documents and will utilize the resources in the Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS) to maintain this information. Certified Training Programs will lead to placement in occupations identified as being in demand and defined in the Demand Occupation Training List (Region 1) developed by the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Additionally, to be eligible to receive funds for the provision of training services, the provider shall be:
an institution of higher education that provides a program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential. This may include programs receiving approval or accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, or Illinois State Board of Education;
an entity that carries out programs registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the "National Apprenticeship Act"; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29
U.S.C. 50 et seq.) as recognized in Illinois by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL),
Office of Apprenticeship; or
another public or private provider of a program of training services, which may include joint labor-management organizations; eligible providers of adult education and literacy activities under Title II if such activities are provided in combination with occupational skills training; or programs that have been recognized by the industry as meeting the standards necessary for approval or accreditation, when such standards exist.
Within 30 days of the application to the LWIB, the Board provides authority to the LLWA to allow a committee of no less than two individuals to conditionally approve programs in lieu of waiting for LWIB certification. The program is deemed certified until such time as the LWIB can review and approve the certification at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Annual Recertification
The Provider Review Committee will conduct timely annual reviews of all programs/providers. Additional guidelines for annual recertification are set forth in WIOA Policy 15-WIOA-5.3, written and maintained by DCEO's Office of Employment & Training. The LLWA will adhere to the standards set forth in these documents and will utilize the resources in the Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS) to maintain this information.
The LWIB should grant recertification to a training program based on the following:
State and local eligibility criteria;
State and local performance criteria have been met;
One or more O*Net codes associated with the training program remain on the most current Demand Occupation Training List (Region 1);
The Training Provider has maintained timely updates in the IWDS system of information on the training program; and
Other conditions for which the LWIB considers necessary for recertification.
Upon completion of the annual review, the Program Review Committee will make recommendations to the LWIB at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Upon action of the LWIB, updated program lists will be made available through the IWDS website.
Denials, Reconsiderations, and Reinstatements
Training programs may be denied approval for certification or recertification. The LLWA will follow State of Illinois Policy (WIOA Policy 15-WIOA-5.3) as it applies to revocation of certification, removal, notification and appeals procedures, reinstatement on the statewide list and re-application. LLWA will cease to enroll customers in a training program that has had its certification revoked. Programs failing to meet the criteria will be identified by the Program
Training Provider and Training Program Eligibility 2
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Review Committee and a Training Provider's eligibility will be rescinded by the LWIB as appropriate.
Monitoring and Oversight
All programs given full certification status will be subject to routine monitoring by the LWIB. At a minimum, the LWIB should:
Ensure all eligible training providers have maintained all criteria for which they were determined eligible;
Re-affirm that a training program is still accredited or the accreditation has been renewed;
Ensure all certified training program basic information in IWDS has been updated to reflect current information;
Conduct routine visits at each location for which certified training programs are conducted to ensure all assurances outlined in WIOA Policy 15-WIOA-5.3 continue to be met. Out of state and e-learning programs may be monitored collaboratively with state or local WIOA governing bodies in their states. In addition, regional WIOA bodies may collaboratively conduct monitoring for certification and recertification of training programs/providers;
Ensure that all certified training programs have met the required performance measures.
Pre-hire Requirements and other Special Considerations (Conditional}
Pre-hire requirements may be placed on certain training programs when economic conditions exist that indicate limited employment in the career clusters associated with the particular training program. A pre-hire authorization will consist of a guarantee of employment upon completion of a particular training program. All pre-hire authorizations must be provided to the career planner in writing from a reputable employer and be contained in the customer file prior to enrollment.
While all programs will be reviewed on an annual basis, the LLWA reserves the right to rescind program approval or implement pre-hire requirements prior to the program renewal date if conditions warrant such action.
Notification
Throughout the anniversary year, providers will be kept abreast of any changes to their program approval status. No program approval will be rescinded without first notifying the provider in writing. All providers have the opportunity to meet with the Provider Review Committee upon request and to submit supporting documentation to the Provider Review Committee for reconsideration of the current approval action.
The Assistant Director will be responsible for processing changes from providers, including cost changes, address changes and changes in prerequisite requirements. It is the responsibility of the individual providers to keep this information current and to notify the Assistant Director when changes occur.
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Access to Provider/Program Information
All provider and program information is recorded and available on IWDS. Staff may access this information directly through the IWDS system. Consumers and providers may access this information through a link on the www.illinoisworknet.com, www.worknet20.org website, or directly at http://iwds.state.il.us/iwdshome.html. Access to these sites will be administered by either the Assistant Director or the Program Compliance Specialist at the LLWA.
Record Keeping
All applications for certification will be recorded on IWDS in accordance with the WIOA Title I Training Provider Certification Policy Guide. All supporting documents submitted for use in the approval process will be maintained by the LLWA office.
In addition to the electronic information available on IWDS, all documentation used for renewal consideration will be maintained, by anniversary year, by the Administrative Office. This documentation shall include current Demand Occupation Training List (Region 1) information, annual performance outcomes and any other documentation used in the renewal process.
All program information will be presented to the LWIB for action and the LWIB Chair will certify an annual approval list. The annual approval list will be updated as new programs are approved. The majority of programs have an annual renewal date. All new programs added during the prior year will be updated to reflect the renewal month at the next renewal.
In addition to maintenance of the approved list, designated LLWA staff will provide authorization for the issuance of 500 C-5 forms for all approved programs. This approval will give authorization for designated LLWA staff to issue a 500 C-5 for customers attending a WIOA-approved program while receiving unemployment benefits.
Performance Measures
All eligible training providers are required to provide basic performance data, when available, on their training programs in order to be approved for initial eligibility or continued eligibility.
The specific training provider and training program performance information for ALL students of the program shall be provided, when available. The following ALL student performance data should include both WIOA and non-WIOA students.
{NOTE: The State of Jllinois understands the current concerns with the ability of training providers to provide the required performance data. All training providers are encouraged to begin development of a process to comply with this policy that would include a plan for identifying all students enrolled in a program of study and capable data system to track the performance of such enrollees. Further guidance is needed from the Departments of Labor and Education in order to develop a concise policy.
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WIB Meeting approval: 05/20/19
Code of conduct governing the performance of the Alliance and Board engaged in the award and administration of contracts.
No employee, officer, member or agent of the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance (LLWA) or Board (LLWB) shall participate in the selection, the award of or the administration of a contract, if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, is involved. Such a conflict would arise when:
The employee, member, officer, agent or
Any member of his/her immediate family, or
His or her partner, or
An organization which employs, or is about to employ, any of the above, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for award.
The LLWA or LLWB officers, members, employees or agents will neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to sub agreements.
Open and free competition
All procurement transactions in Local Workforce Area 20 (LWA 20) shall be conducted in a manner that provides maximum open and free competition consistent with this Procurement Policy. Procurement procedures shall not restrict or eliminate competition. Examples of what shall be considered to be restrictive competition include, but are not limited to:
Placing unreasonable or different requirements on firms in order for them to qualify for the same procurement;
Requiring unnecessary experience and excessive bonding;
Noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or affiliated companies;
Noncompetitive awards to consultants that are on retainer contracts;
Organizational conflicts of interest;
Specifying only a "brand name" product instead of allowing an "equal" product to be offered and describing the performance of other relevant requirements of the procurement;
Any arbitrary action in the procurement process.
Ability to meet the procurement objectives
Awards will be made only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed procurement. Examples of how the ability to meet the procurement objectives can be demonstrated include, but are not limited to: financial resources, technical qualifications, experience, organization and facilities adequate to carry out the project; resources to meet the completion schedule contained in the contract; a satisfactory performance record
for completion of contracts; and accounting and audit procedures adequate to control property, funds and assets.
Avoiding unnecessary purchases
The LLWA or LLWB will conduct a review of proposed procurements to avoid purchases that are not necessary or duplicative items. Consideration will be given to consolidating or breaking out procurements to obtain a more economical purchase. Where appropriate, an analysis will be made of lease versus purchase alternatives, and any other appropriate analysis to determine the most economical approach.
Affirmative Action
The LLWA or LLWB will take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that small and minority firms, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. Affirmative steps will include:
Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises on solicitation lists;
Assuring that small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into small tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority business and women's business enterprises;
Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority business and women's business enterprises; and
Using the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce.
Cost-Price Analysis
A cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action, including contract modifications, will be conducted. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point an independent estimate must be made before receiving bids or proposals. A cost analysis will be performed when the offeror is required to submit the elements of his/her estimated cost, e.g., under professional, consulting, and service contracts. A cost analysis will be necessary when adequate price competition is lacking, and for sole source procurements, including contract modifications or change orders, unless price reasonableness can be established on the basis of a catalog or market price of a commercial product sold in substantial quantities to the general public or based on prices set by law or regulation. A price analysis will be used in all other instances to determine the reasonableness of the proposed contract price.
Specifications
Each procurement will clearly specify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals. In competitive procurements, the description of the material, product or service to be procured will not contain features which unduly restrict competition. The description may include a statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product or service to be procured, and when necessary, shall set forth those minimum essential characteristics and standards to which it must conform if it is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications should be
avoided if at all possible. In addition, the LLWA will ensure that all prequalified lists of persons, firms, or products which are used in acquiring goods and services are current and include enough qualified sources to ensure maximum open and free competition.
Illinois Joint Purchasing Program
The LLWA or LLWB may purchase items through the Illinois Joint Purchasing Program without soliciting bids or obtaining quotes. Under this program, the State of Illinois, Department of Central Management Services (CMS) negotiates statewide contracts for the purchase of good frequently used by State and local governments. The LLWA or LLWB may purchase items specified in these contracts at the prices negotiated.
Purchase Approval from DCEO
Requests for equipment and software with a unit cost of $5,000 or more must be sent to the Department of Commerce and Economic, Office of Employment and Training for prior approval. Three price or rate quotations must be reviewed by the LLWA and approved by the CEOs. The LLWA office will then submit the quotes to DCEO for approval.
Methods of Procurement
Procurement under grants shall be made by one of the following methods.
Procurement for Small Purchases under $20,000
Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies or other property that do not cost more than $20,000 in the aggregate with a single vendor during a fiscal year. If small purchase procurements are used, price or rate quotations will be obtained from three qualified sources including internet sources. The date, provider, what is being purchased, and the price or rate will be documented to the file. The decision to choose a particular vendor will be made based upon cost, service or other pertinent needs. Formal competitive bids are not required for contracts less than $20,000.
The CEOs, WIB and county committee will approve contracts which do not obligate the LLWA or LLWB and Sangamon County for more than $20,000. If the committee vote is not unanimous, the contract shall come before the full county board. (County Code: 2.04.470)
Procurement by Competitive Proposal for Purchases/Contracts over $20,000
Procurement will be conducted when either a fixed-price or cost-reimbursement type contract for over $20,000 (or aggregate to one service provider) is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. Bids shall be obtained on all private contracts (except for professional services, or otherwise provided by law) which obligate the LLWA and Sangamon county for more than $20,000. All bids received shall be kept on file in the originating department. The CEOs, WIB and county oversight committee will approve the contracts entered into by the LLWA or LLWB. All contracts which obligate the LLWA, LLWB and Sangamon County for more than $20,000 must be approved by the Sangamon County Board. (County Code 2.04.460).
Procurement by Sealed Bid
Bids are publicly solicited and a firm-fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. A sealed bid is the preferred method for procuring
construction, if the following conditions are present.
In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present:
A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available;
Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and
The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price.
If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply:
The invitation for bids will be publicly advertised and bids shall be solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, providing them sufficient time prior to the date set for opening the bids;
The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, shall define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond;
All bids will be publicly opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids;
A firm fixed-price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation costs, and life cycle costs shall be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of;
Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented reason.
Procurement by Non-Competitive Proposal
Procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source, or after solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate. The use of sole source procurements will be minimized to the extent practicable, but in every case the use of sole source procurements will be justified and documented.
Procurement by noncompetitive proposal may be used only when the award of a contract is infeasible under small purchase procedures, sealed bids or competitive proposals and one of the following circumstances applies: the item is available only from a single source; the public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation; the Department authorizes noncompetitive proposals; or after solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.
The splitting of any contract into smaller contracts with the purpose or effect of evading these rules is prohibited. (County Code: 2.04.480)
Procurement Records
The LLWA or Board Office will maintain records which detail the history of procurement. These records
will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: the method of procurement and the basis for the selection or rejection of a contractor, and the basis for the contract price.
Public Notice/Outreach
Requests for proposals/quotes will be advertised in the local newspaper. Any response to publicized requests for proposals shall be honored to the maximum extent practical. Proposals will be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources. All potential providers/contractors, who have expressed an interest in being considered for awards shall be sent Requests for Proposals/Quotes for the area or areas of service for which they wish to be considered.
Guidelines for Competitive Bid Process
Existing service providers will be given consideration based on the score received on the Rating Sheet that will include at a minimum:
Evaluation of past performance.
Evaluation of the present year-to-date performance.
Costs are reasonable, necessary and allowable based on the cost/price analysis.
Employers in the area have a need for workers who are trained in these areas.
Local labor market data reflects need in the area/region.
General overall quality of proposal.
Proposals from new bidders will be given consideration based on the score received on the Rating Sheet which will include at a minimum:
References from other agencies for which bidder has provided services regarding their ability to operate satisfactory training programs.
References from other agencies regarding their ability to manage fiscal responsibilities.
Costs are reasonable, necessary and allowable based on the cost/price analysis.
Employers in the area have a need for workers trained in occupations offered, as identified by labor market data.
General overall quality of proposal.
Should an existing service provider fail performance, the provider will be placed on probation for the 1st year and may award a contract if it determines the program meets the needs of WIOA participants and has the potential to improve during the second year. If the provider fails performance a second year, no funding will be awarded. The provider is not prohibited from submitting proposals in the future; however, and will be given the same consideration as a new bidder. Existing service providers whose score on the Rating Sheet are rated unacceptable will not be recommended for a contract award.
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The LLWA or LLWB will use a variety of methods for proposal review including evaluations, past performance, interviews, recommendations, etc., when reviewing proposals to determine contract awards.
A Pre-Award Risk Assessment will be completed for existing providers and new bidders.
Awards will be made to the responsible firm whose proposal is most advantageous to the program, including price and other factors considered.
RFP Preparation
The Land of Lincoln Workforce Board procures the One-Stop Operator every four years. In the fall preceding the end of the four year contract term, the LLWB Chair will discuss at a scheduled Board meeting. The Board will review guidelines and determine if an outside contractor will be secured to complete the procurement of the One-Stop Operator as was done in 2017. If an outside contractor is not secured for procurement of the One-Stop Operator, the Board Chair will appoint a committee and follow steps in the procurement policy. The Board Chair will develop a timeline for RFP procurement to meet deadlines so that the Board may approve at their May meeting prior to the end of the One-Stop Operator contract.
For WIOA Programs, the LLWA Executive Director will appoint a committee to develop an RFP for each program where a contract will be issued: Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker. The committee will include staff familiar with WIOA training programs, policies and regulations, and staff familiar with RFP/contract provisions. The committees will first review the RFP from the preceding year and decide which guidelines will be retained. Proposal schedules, RFPs, rating sheets and recommendations will be updated annually and will be maintained at the LLWA office. A schedule listing the calendar dates, steps in the review and selection process will be identified. The RFP will address all requirements needed to deliver quality services and programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. (WIOA) An evaluation/rating sheet will be included in the RFP which identifies the guidelines that will be reviewed for contract award.
Review Process
Receipt of Proposals
All proposals received will be stamped with the time and date of receipt. If bidder request receipts, they will be accommodated. The same time and date affixed to the proposal will be put on the receipt.
Securing Proposals
Proposals received will be secured. If proposal are received via e-mail, they will be printed and secured in a locked office of management or Board staff.
Initial Review of Proposals
An initial review of proposal packages will determine completeness. The "Proposal Outline" will be checked to determine if items have been omitted. Missed items can be identified at this time. No one in the LLWA or LLWB will solicit changes to the bidder's technical proposal or cost or pricing data at this stage of the process. Such requests for changes in the substance of proposals are only allowable after formal review and during negotiations. However, bidders are allowed to submit unsolicited changes to any part of their proposals prior to the deadline date
and time for receipt. All bidders will be allowed to make minor omissions complete.
Appointing Proposal Review Team
For WIOA Programs, the Executive Director will appoint a team of at least three persons for each program where contracts will be issued: Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Workers. For the Land of Lincoln Workforce Board, the Board Chair will appoint a team and follow the procurement steps. A Review Team Chairman will be decided by the Executive Director for WIOA programs and by the Board Chair for Board procurement including One-Stop Operator. The reviewers will be briefed before evaluation begins on each program. The briefing will set the tone for the review and provides an opportunity to orient new reviewers on how they should approach technical evaluation of proposals. The Review Team chair will conduct the briefing; remind all parties of critical dates and deadlines, review the evaluation factors or criteria from the RFP and their relative weights or importance against which proposals will be measured. Evaluation rating forms will be distributed and explained, a description of the process including the date that the team will meet to discuss ratings, and answer any questions about the evaluations. At this briefing, the chair will restate the rules relating to the ethics of procurement, emphasizing the need for confidentiality, objectivity, and fairness, and going over the ground rules covering actual, potential, or apparent conflicts of interest by reviewers. Each member of the review team will be asked to sign the "Code of Conduct".
Individual Review
Review Team members will read each proposal and thoroughly evaluate the criteria listed on the designated rating sheets identifying strengths, weaknesses or deficiencies. The proposal evaluation form will be completed by each review team member. A cost/price analysis will be conducted along with performance reports to evaluate existing providers.
Team Review
Upon completion of the individual review, the team will meet and discuss the pros and cons of each proposal. The team chair will logevaluation sheet scores from each reviewer. The chair will average the score for each proposal and compile a list of the questions/comments. A summary report will be prepared with the recommendations from the evaluation team, contract amount and number of participants. The total amount of funding recommended will equal the amount available for contracts contingent upon WIOA grant funding.
Contract Approval Process*
(*the order of these recommendations/approvals is dependent on the dates the Council I Committees I
Board meet)
Land of Lincoln Workforce Board
A final summary report will be prepared with recommendations for contracts to be approval by the Land of Lincoln Workforce Board. This report will be based on evaluation criteria. The report will include the name of the proposer, amount of contract, number of participants, amount of past year's contract, performance, etc. The Land of Lincoln Workforce Board will approve contract recommendations. Should a Board member have a real or apparent conflict of interest in the contract award, the member will recuse him/herself and abstain from voting. The Board minutes will reflect this action.
Chief Elected Officials (CEOs)
Contract recommendations will be approved by the CEOs at the next scheduled meeting.
Sangamon County Committee
Contract awards will be approved by the Sangamon County Community Resources Committee. The bidder will be notified that their proposal is being recommended for approval.
Sangamon County Board
Resolutions for contract awards will be presented to the Sangamon County Board for approval. After Sangamon County Board approval, the bidder will be advised that the contract has been awarded.
Meeting with Contractor
A meeting will commence with the successful contractor to review contract terms and begin planning for the upcoming program year. Outreach/recruitment, program start dates, staff training, financial reports and other issues will be discussed with the contractor.
Recordkeeping
The following items will be kept on file at the LLWA or Board Office:
Original RFP submitted by all bidders.
Final RFP submitted after consultation.
All rating and evaluation sheets including costs/price analysis and past performance evaluations.
Signed "Code of Conduct" forms.
Copy of LLWB minutes approving contracts.
Copy of CEO minutes approving contracts.
Copy of Sangamon County Community Resources Committee minutes approving contracts.
Copy of Sangamon County Board minutes approving contracts.
Contract Renewal/Modification and Extension
For Youth contractors, Youth RFPs will cover a two year time frame. Existing youth providers will not complete an entire RFP for awards during the second year. Near the end of year 1, a renewal request will be forwarded to the current providers. Providers will complete sections related to their planned and current performance goals, their planned and current expenditures, and indicate any program changes that will be made in year 2. A committee will review these renewals and may request additional information or a meeting to discuss any issues.
During the WIOA transition period and pending final rules and policy guidance, existing youth provider contracts may be extended to allow for youth services to continue. If an extension and eventual contract modification is approved, youth providers will submit any changes to their scope of work, budget changes and performance goals will be evaluated.
Under both arrangements, either contract renewal or extension, the committee will make a recommendation and the contract approval process listed above will be followed.